Sunset is for lovers

Trying to concentrate on work today, but that went out the window when a friend told me about “The House of Switzerland” (or Palafitas Kitsch), a kiosk on the Lagoon behind Ipanema that has become a microcosm of Switzerland, taken over by Swiss cows and artefacts, Swiss food and Swiss science – and where a large screen and wooden sofas are provided for watching the soccer. Couldn’t winkle HH away from the computer and the prospect of watching the game in comfort at home, but off I went to find a taxi.

Conversation got around to the cab driver’s adopted daughter, who he found as a tiny baby, abandoned in a bar. His friends pointed to an obviously drunken and drugged woman and said she was probably the mother. Without hesitating, he took the baby home and then went out and bought everything she might need. He and his wife of just one year bathed her and fed her, and the next morning, together with his parents-in-law, went to return the baby to her mother – whose reaction was “Oh, I thought you would keep her”. He and his wife had almost jokingly spoken about the possibility of adoption, so he immediately asked the mother if she would give up her baby. Again, her reply was totally unemotional – “I’ve already given two away, one more won’t make any difference”. Today, that child is 20 years old, studying Physical Education at university, extremely close to her adoptive parents and their two natural children and to her own two natural brothers, who she met at a later date. Her mother, who died last year, eventually managed to give up the drink and drugs, and was present at birthdays and other important events, but never interfered in her daughter’s life.

Back to the footie. We arrived at the Lagoon just as the sun was setting – singularly beautiful. It’s a sight I don’t often have the chance to savour – at most, we pass by on the way to somewhere else. Today I was also lucky enough to bump into a couple of friends right away, even though they didn’t stay. Couldn’t see any unreserved seats on the normal sofas, but found a prime spot on a raised one with just one occupant (a Russian), who graciously ceded me the other end. As he left at half time, I had the royal box to myself for the second half. I hadn’t intended to watch the whole match, just to see the sunset and check the place out, but the Japan-Colombia match was exciting and at this point, I’m rooting for the Latin American teams. So it was great to see Colombia tie it down in the second half, particularly as there were some very happy Colombians right at the front.

Walked most of the way home afterwards and now should be catching up with some work rather than blipping. But it has been a good day.